Is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie? How about “Gremlins”? Is “Elf” on constantly at your house and you really need a new movie recommendation?
Our creative staff have offered up a few of their must-see holiday movies — some classics, a few modern picks, and also a few unexpected suggestions and, um, “interesting” holiday-viewing traditions.
What are your go-to movies and films during the holidays?
Karla’s picks
“My favorite must-watch entertainment video is A Christmas Story. It’s just so classic and hilarious.”
“I would also recommend March of the Penguins as one of my favorite documentaries for the season.”
Becky’s pick
“One of my favorite Christmas Eve dinners was with a young married couple in their new house. It was only the three of us and we decided to watch one of their favorite movies, something that I had never seen before. The Terminator. You can eat a lot of turkey, drink a lot of wine and never get sleepy watching The Terminator.”
Laura’s picks
“White Christmas is one that I make a point to watch every year.”
“This is my daughter’s favorite!”
The Holiday
(Available through Prospector)
Nicole’s picks
“Because it covers two of my favorite holidays!”
“Because National Lampoon meets a horror movie – awesome!”
“Because it’s a classic and I grew up with that one!!”
“I watch that every year at Christmas time.”
Leah’s pick
“Doctor Who counts as a holiday pick, right?”
Doctor Who. The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe 2011 Christmas Special
Graham’s picks
“I try to watch these movies every year.”
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
The Snowman (1982)
Paula’s pick
While You Were Sleeping
(Available through Prospector)
Courtney’s pick
“My current favorite and annual (for the past few years) tradition for Christmas Eve is A Very Murray Christmas. My second pick is The Family Stone.”
Alice’s picks
“We have a high geek factor at our house, so keep that in mind.”
The Little Princess (1939)
Hansel and Gretel 1982 Metropolitan Opera
(Available through Prospector)
Amahl and the Night Visitors 1951 TV Broadcast
(Available through Prospector)
Erin’s picks
Cheesy Hallmark / Lifetime / Netflix movies.
“I have a watch party with my friends but I also watch a few times on my own.”
“Specifically the version with Alastair Sim as Scrooge. For me, it is the best one, hands down.”
A Christmas Carol
(Available through Prospector)
“I watch both of these New Year’s Day.”
“My goal every year is to be a bit more like Elizabeth Bennett.”
BBC Pride and Prejudice television series
Louise’s picks
“Yes! Die Hard is a Christmas movie.”
NOTE: Council Tree Library will be hosting a matinee screening of The Polar Express on Friday, December 27, 2019 from 10:00-11:45AM. Rated G.
Drew’s picks
“My main seasonal must-sees are Die Hard and Desk Set. Katherine Hepburn as a super-smart librarian and a hilarious holiday party? Yes please! “
“And my new favorite is Anna and the Apocalypse.”
Angela’s picks
“I love holiday movies!! In my house we watch a variety as everyone has their favorite but our must watches are Love Actually, Die Hard, Nightmare Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (original with Boris Karloff) and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
These movies are available at the Library along with many other great Christmas and holiday films. Just ask a staff member!